Let's start with the positive. Actually, this is all positive depending on how you look at it. I belong to a Parent Ed group at LCPC. (http://www.lacanadapc.org/Ministries_Parent_Ed/parent.html ) Admittedly, since I am not a member of the church I initially approached Parent Ed with a bit of caution. I started 4 years ago when my son was a baby and continued with my daughter. What I have found in these groups are incredible friends who can relate to everything from diaper explosions to the first time your child says "I hate you." I also find the spiritual aspect of the program comforting and increasingly important. But I digress...
I was discussing real estate with another mom who was explaining her plan to eventually move to La Canada. Shortly after, the class topic moved to the recent Educational Foundation Gala's successful live auction. To be precise, we talked about the Hannah Montana walk-on roles that (both) went for $27,000. My friend who had just mentioned moving to La Canada turned to me and said, "Maybe we won't move to La Canada." Don't get me wrong. I applaud the success of the Foundation and the generosity of the donors and the winning bidders. But one does have to wonder what message a gift like that sends to a young person. I mean, how do you top that? It certainly raises the bar for your first car, your high school graduation present, the cost of college. And what about all of the other kids in La Canada (or anywhere for that matter) whose parents can't afford that? Are they less than? Are their parents less successful, less generous?
They say that the next generation of workers will be the first in American history who can expect to earn less than their parents. Perhaps for that generation, a day at the beach or a barbecue with family and friends will illicit the same joy in their children that at day with Miley Cyrus did for them.
Don't look for a message, stick with your comment:"you applaud their success" and let's also applaud their generosity.
How they raise their family and manage their money is their business. Any other point of view sounds like "sour grapes".
Like your blog
Posted by: LCMom | March 20, 2008 at 12:00 PM
Thank you to LCMom for expressing her view point. This is what having a blog is all about...
Posted by: Gillan | March 20, 2008 at 08:48 PM
Great post! I agree with you.
Posted by: Barbara | March 31, 2008 at 01:57 PM